Hampton Roads authors will meet Suffolk readers this Saturday.

The North Suffolk Library will host the Local Authors’ Festival on Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m. Approximately 20 local authors have been invited to the free and public festival to promote their books and participate in a question-and-answer panel with readers.

“We want to recognize authors that are contributing to the Hampton Roads literary culture,” said Elizabeth Trop, Suffolk senior outreach and program services librarian.

John Koehler — president and publisher of Koehler Books in Virginia Beach — will be the keynote speaker at the event. English instructor and published author Doug Thiele will lead a workshop for aspiring writers.

“It’s an opportunity for them to meet local authors and see that it is possible for them to reach their dreams,” Trop said.

Local author Allie Marie has been on the festival’s panel for years. Her books are the “True Color” series, a mystery saga filled with supernatural elements that takes places in Hampton Roads.

“It’s fun to incorporate places that I’m very familiar with into a positive story; it has an everyday feeling,” Marie said. “The characters go on the ghost walk in Portsmouth, and they attend the Driver Days festival.”

She enjoys interacting with the readers at the event and appreciates their support of local authors.

“I was surprised how many local authors we have in Hampton Roads, she aid. “I would encourage people to come out and meet the variety of local authors there are in Hampton Roads and give us support.”

Authors like Marie are excited to help the writing aspirations of their readers in return.

“I like to encourage potential, writers because I love to read,” she said. “I try to encourage any potential writer to give it their best shot and get their stuff out there so readers can enjoy their work.”

Call 514-7150 or visit www.suffolkpubliclibrary.com for more information.